I've just returned from three years abroad, teaching a variety of subjects in South Korea. I began as a conversational English teacher working through EPIK (English Programs in Korea). I was posted at Gangneung Boys Middle School and taught over 600 students a week. The conditions were difficult but it was an excellent learning experience for me as an educator -- I learned that small classroom or one-on-one instruction is the best way to help students master the material. The next two years I...
I've just returned from three years abroad, teaching a variety of subjects in South Korea. I began as a conversational English teacher working through EPIK (English Programs in Korea). I was posted at Gangneung Boys Middle School and taught over 600 students a week. The conditions were difficult but it was an excellent learning experience for me as an educator -- I learned that small classroom or one-on-one instruction is the best way to help students master the material. The next two years I spent at Big Heart Christian School in Yongin, a private international academy with a student-to-faculty ratio of about 10-1. I taught high school electives (film, theatre, and psychology), ESL Reading Gate, and was a substitute for secondary and elementary classes as needed. Developing one-on-one mentoring relationships with students was an amazing and rewarding experience, and our graduating seniors were admitted to a variety of prestigious American universities, including NYU, UC Berkeley, RISD, University of Chicago, and others.
Prior to my time in Korea, I attended graduate school at the University of Maine in Orono (just outside of Bangor). I earned my Master of Arts degree in Literature and creative writing (fiction). During this time I was also an instructor of college composition, teaching grammar, essay writing, MLA style, and textual criticism. I also served as a private tutor of both academic and creative writing.
I consider myself a lifelong learner. I love discovering new ideas and making connections between information. I have a distinct passion for sharing ideas with others, especially unique stories and thought-provoking anecdotes. It's greatly fulfilling to provide someone with something they didn't know before.
I'm currently going back to school part-time to continue my graduate education, and my schedule is quite flexible. Don't hesitate to contact me with questions or to set up an appointment. I look forward to helping out any way I can.
I've been an avid reader and writer all my life. In addition to my MA in English, I'm also a published and award-winning writer of fiction, plays, and poetry. In 2012 I was given the Outstanding Graduate Student award at the University of Maine College of Arts and Sciences for my academic and creative work. I have years of experience teaching and tutoring in literature, writing, and grammar. My Bible studies experience comes from high school and collegiate level training in religious studies (Christian, specifically Lutheran), and I am currently pursuing my Master of Divinity degree through Bethany Lutheran College and Seminary in Mankato, MN.
If you have any questions, I'm here to help. I'd love to hear from you.